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Are You Ready for Some Hockey?

(Photo by Caps Outsider)

Washington area sports fans are walking pretty tall this week. The Redskins broke their losing streak with a decisive win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Nationals clinched the National League Eastern Division by beating their division rival, the Atlanta Braves.  While fans bask in these victories, with visions of postseason games dancing through their heads, the big question now is: Are you ready for some hockey?

Caps fans have been waiting for what seems like an eternity for the 2014-15 season to begin. With the Caps a no-show in the 2013-2014 play-offs , fans haven’t seen a Caps game since April 13, 2014, more than five months.  Let’s recap:  The Caps played the Tampa Bay Lightning.  At the end of regulation, the score was 0-0. Ultimately, the Caps lost 1-0 in the shootout.  And that kind of sums up that whole, unfortunate season, doesn’t it?

This led to a summer of changes that began with general manager George McPhee being told to hit the road. He would be replaced by his assistant, Brian McClellan.  Due to the Caps’ failure to reach the play-offs, coach Adam Oates was replaced by defense-minded Barry Trotz, former head coach of the Nashville Predators.  Assistant coach Calle Johansson opted to leave the team and return to Sweden for personal reasons.  The Caps welcomed two new assistant coaches—Todd Reirden by way of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Lane Lambert from the Nashville Predators.  Another coaching change is the acquisition of head goaltender coach, Mitch Korn, also from Nashville.  The most notable changes on the ice were focused on the defense.  It’s no secret that the Caps had the 4th worst defense in the NHL last season that allowed 33.5 shots per game.  Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen, both formerly with the Penguins, were added to the defensive roster.  They are expected to bring strength and depth to the team.  Another noteworthy player addition is goaltender Justin Peters.  Peters played with the Carolina Hurricanes last season and was hired to back-up Braden Holtby.

Fans are chomping at the bit to welcome the Caps back to the Verizon Center on Sunday, September 21 to face off against the Buffalo Sabres. This will be the first preseason game, and the unveiling of a restructured organization with new head coach Trotz in the driver’s seat.

Here’s what to look for:

Offense-The first line will basically remain the same. It is still up in the air as to who will be the second line center.   There are 3 players being considered for that pivotal position: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Marcus Johansson, and 19-year-old Andre Burakovsky.  Look for the third and forth lines to be similar to last year, yet fluid.

Defense-Expect a much needed tougher defense this year with the addition of  Orpik and Niskanen. Coach Trotz favors lefty/righty combinations, but will also consider complimentary pairs especially on the power play.

Power Play-The power play team should remain the same. It was a diamond in the rough last year.  With a 23.4% success rate, they were at the top of the league.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Teamwork-Look for a more mentally prepared, cohesive team on and off the ice. In a recent interview with Caps radio announcer John Walton, Coach Trotz revealed his formula for a well-rounded team.  He told Walton that he wanted to create a supportive “family” atmosphere where there is mutual respect and commitment.  He wants this atmosphere to prevail beyond the ice and the locker room, and encompass the players’ familes and their needs.  Trotz believes that this will be an effective way of bringing the players together and preparing them to play as a team.

With all this in mind and the Winter Classic our the future, it already looks like it’s going to be a dynamic, interesting season for the Caps.  So, get ready Washingtonians.  Good luck to the Redskins and best wishes to the Nats, but it’s time to play some hockey!

Let’s Go Caps!

Barbara Banks

Barbara Ann Banks is a freelance writer out of Rockville, MD.

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